§63-2-110.

§63-2-110.
   
   The Director may employ attorneys, who shall be unclassified employees
   of the state, or contract with attorneys, as needed. These attorneys
   may advise the Director, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and
   Dangerous Drugs Control Commission and Bureau personnel on all legal
   matters and shall appear for and represent the Director, the
   Commission and Bureau personnel in all administrative hearings and all
   litigation or other proceedings which may arise in the discharge of
   their duties. At the request of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics
   and Dangerous Drugs Control Commission, such attorney shall assist the
   district attorney in prosecuting charges of violators of the Uniform
   Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. Provided, if a conflict of
   interest would be created by such attorney representing the Director,
   the Commission or Bureau personnel, additional counsel may be hired
   upon approval of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous
   Drugs Control Commission. Any classified employee who is serving in an
   attorney position which is subject to the Merit System of Personnel
   Administration on the effective date of this act shall have the option
   of retaining such classified status. An incumbent who chooses to
   remain in the classified service shall be subject to all provisions
   and conditions of the Merit System of Personnel Administration. An
   incumbent who chooses to change status from classified to unclassified
   shall so indicate in writing. All future appointees to such positions
   shall be in the unclassified service.